15 newsworthy displays at Michelin Movin'On

Sustainable-mobility summit featured an array of the latest innovations

Clare Dear
Published: June 4, 2018, 11:05 AM
Updated: June 6, 2018, 5:41 PM

Focus on sustainable mobility

By Clare Dear Movin’On by Michelin is a global summit that focuses on sustainable mobility in a rapidly evolving world, with workshops, panel discussions and an array of the latest innovations related to mobility. Last year, the event (previously known as the Michelin Challenge Bibendum) attracted more than 4,000 participants from 31 countries, including major players, startups, academics and high-level decision-makers from across the mobility ecosystem. ▲

Peeking at the future

A feature of the event was an assortment of prototype vehicles and low-impact, eco-friendly mobility options displayed and/or demonstrated in a public exhibit by the Quebec government at Quai Jacques Cartier in Old Montreal. ▲

New under the sun

This solar-powered car, developed by ETS, circulated on a closed course at Quai Jacques Cartier. ▲

Sneaking up on the bad guys

An electric patrol motorcycle and an electric police city-car were demonstrated on the dynamic track. The motorcycle, especially, appeared to have plenty of speed. ▲

Lito shuffles into EV market

A Quebec-based firm, Lito, has developed this all-electric motorcycle for the consumer market. A spokesperson says it’s the purest way to enjoy the pleasures of riding, with just the wind in your face and the open road around you. “You don’t even miss the noise (of a conventional bike engine) because your senses are enjoying all the aspects of riding,” he said. ▲

It's cool to go electric, especially in winter

If bikers can go electric, why not snowmobilers, too? This electric sled answers that need with plenty of power and no pollution, including noise. ▲

Wooden it be nice to carve your own transportation?

These bicycles provide mobility while minimizing environmental impact because their frames aren’t steel or composites – they’re made of wood. ▲

Latest T-Rex is far from a dinosaur

This T-Rex sport machine by Quebec-based Campagna Motors is an all-electric model that expands on the company’s conventionally powered performance vehicle. With lithium-ion batteries powering its electric motor, this 3-wheeler can accelerate to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, but the company is currently working on a second prototype it expects will drop that launch time to under three seconds. ▲

Look, Ma! No hands!

Autonomous vehicles are a hot-button topic; this Volkswagen Golf was demonstrating a system that is being developed by Kopernikus Automotive for retro-fitting to existing vehicles. Using radar and mapping, it toured the closed circuit with no human hands involved (although the driver did have to take over the parking duties). ▲

Remote racer

With the Formula One series arriving in a week for the Canadian Grand Prix, it was timely for the Robocar to join the static display. While this electric racer looks at first glance like a Formula E machine, notice there’s one thing missing – a driver. This race car is “driven” by remote control and the Roborace championship will reportedly join the Formula E circuit as support, but with no introduction date fixed yet. Does this mean Lewis Hamilton’s career is in jeopardy? ▲

Blown in the wind

Solar power is one of the alternatives to reduce emissions and the carbon footprint of vehicles, but this is something different – a wind-powered vehicle. ▲

Listen to the sound of the waves

Innovations in mobility weren’t limited to land – electrically powered boats were on site as well, providing demonstration cruises on the adjacent Lachine canal. ▲

Taking pollution out of city deliveries

Commercial vehicles that ply our urban streets – and contribute to the layers of smog and other pollution – could be replaced by battery-powered models. An electric garbage truck and an electric cube van were among the vehicles on display at Movin’On. ▲

Electric conversion

This Ford-F-150 pickup has been transformed by Ecotuned into an electric vehicle, which is being evaluated by the City of Montreal. It was available for testing on the city’s streets. ▲

Overcoming mobility challenges

Advanced mobility ideas aren’t just for the big players. This entrepreneur was displaying electrically powered devices to help provide more mobility for folks who face challenges simply getting around day to day. ▲

On the road

Nine vehicles with advanced powertrains were available for short test drives on the streets of Montreal during the event, including a trio of BMW products: a 530e sedan, an i8 and an i3s. Nissan offered its next-generation Leaf 2, while Honda provided a hydrogen-fuelled Clarity Hybrid. A pair of Tesla products – a Model 2 and a Model X – drew considerable attention, as did a Karma Revero. ▲

Green Cars Autonomous Driving